Back when I was a young lass of twenty-four I had an office next to a spunky redhead with a personality much taller than her five foot, two-inch frame. She was married with two beautiful daughters and we would often talk about marriage and family and all things Life.
A decade later I still remember a conversation we had in which she told me that your thirties are exponentially greater than your twenties. She was far more confident, was at a great place in both her career and her family life and was genuinely happy with her life. She said that she would never wear a bikini pre-children but no longer covered herself up. She had two adorable children who came out of her body and she was proud of the fact.
Ask any of my friends who have dreaded hitting the big 3-0 and they will tell you that I have told them the same thing. Your thirties are better than your twenties. At least mine have been.
While I may have glimmers of insecurity that will likely last until my last breath, and may have a “fat” day once a month, I am far more comfortable in my skin now than I was the day she and I had that conversation. Not only that, I also find myself blessed with an amazing family, wicked friends and a career that keeps my synapses firing. My life is nothing to complain about.
Thirty-five has struck a nerve with me for some reason. I am no longer in my “early” thirties but am officially smack in the middle. This means that I’m on the downward slide to forty. Forty is that age that I would hear as a child and think, “That is OLD.”
Throw in the perma-wrinkle between my eyebrows and the “laugh lines” that I do not find funny in any way whatsoever and it appears that I am, indeed, getting old.
I mean, it’s inevitable. We all age and (Spoiler alert!) eventually die. You can’t stop it or even slow it down no matter how hard you try. Well, unless you’re a vampire and as far as I know I’m not one, so.
That all being said, I refuse to throw a pity party for myself (About both my age and non-vampire status) because how is moping about it going to help anything? I’ve also chosen to focus on the positives, as I am wont to do.
All those creases on my face are because I laugh. A lot. And HARD. I laugh with things I find funny and I laugh at myself. A lot. And HARD.
I know so many women who are forty and beyond who exude a grace and a beauty that I strive to achieve. A lot of that comes from being thankful for all that you’ve been given and for all that you are, while also striving to make yourself an even brighter version of yourself.
So. I’m no longer eying thirty-five suspiciously; I have chosen to accept her graciously. I’m not quite ready to give her a bear hug but I’ve given her a sultry, “How you doin’?” and blown her a kiss.
I’m excited to see where she takes me.
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Last Thursday was National Delurking Day (My friend Chris is the one who started the brilliant idea) but I wrote about this instead. I won’t ask you to do me a solid (Because, EW) but I wouldn’t be too upset if you took the time to wish me a Happy Birthday.
Happy Birthday Angela!!!
35 is a great year. So are 36 and 37. I’ll have to let you know how 38 turns out, but the odds are looking good!
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Happy, happy birthday my friend! I hope this year is a great one for you!
And I echo EVERYTHING you said about your 30s! I couldn’t agree more!
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Happy Birthday, Sis! You’re one sexy mama
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Happy Birthday!! I am only 31 but am already enjoying my 30′s much more than I ever thought I would! Hope you have a wonderful day.
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Happy Birthday Angella. The forties are fantastic. I am 44 and loving it.
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That’s it. You’re too old for me. I can’t be friends with you anymore lest you drag me down with you.
Kidding.
As I was slathering on my makeup this morning I was looking at the little creases under my eyes (they’re just babies, I’m still a tender 29 for another month) and I caught myself feeling like I did something wrong for not staving them off. As if I had done myself a disservice or something by not investing in the right creams.
How twisted is that that my brain automatically goes there even though I logically understand that aging is a natural process we all experience.
That’s it. We’re donating the television to the dump. No more magazines.
Kidding. Again.
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Oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Duh. How rude of me.
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I’ve always thought that a person’s birthday should be a mini holiday where you’re not expected to go into work. I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. You have many blessings in your life, and I know the rest of your 30′s are going to be magical.
xo
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Happy Birthday Angella! I’ve got mixed feelings about the big 3-0 coming up for me this year but you give me hope!
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I loooove my thirties! And if you ever have one of those days when you’re feeling a little crotchety, just remember, I’M OLDER THAN YOU.
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First of all…Happy Birthday…and 35 isn’t all that bad (made it there in September) until you start realizing how long ago high school was, or when you graduated university…and so on.
But that’s just mean.
And…Love the picture with the post. It is fabulous.
~*~ Happy Birthday! ~*~
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Happy Birthday!!! I hope this year is your best yet!
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Happy Birthday. Don’t think of it as a year older but just another Victory Lap!
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I can’t believe you told me about that whole dying thing! You totally ruined it for me!
Much love to you on your birthday, sweetie!
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Happy Happy Happy Birthday! Love you!
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Happy Birthday. The 30s are better than the 20s and the 40s are great but it is in the 50′s when you are truly secure in whom you are. The 50′s have been the most freeing decade of my life. I love it.
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Happy Birthday Angella!
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Happy Birthday!!! I love reading your blog!
elaine from Hong Kong
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~*~*~HAPPY BIRTHDAY~*~*~
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Oh happy day!
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happy birthday!
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Happy Birthday Angella!
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Awwww. Happy Birthday (late, I think)! I haven’t commented in a while … hope all is well! You seem to be doing great … & BUSY!
Life could be worse … you could be turning 36! 
~ Lisa
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HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
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Happy Birthday! Treat yourself like a queen for the day – you deserve it! And even though I’m just starting this trek into 30′s, I’m loving it – way better than 20′s!
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Happy, Happy Birthday! Yes, you hit the nail right on the head… and I have said for years that my 30s were so much better than my 20s, I couldn’t wait to turn 40. And I did, and it was, and is! Almost half way through that decade, and it just keeps getting better. Welcome in.
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Happy Birthday, a wee bit late. 35 looks fantastic on you!
I’ve just FINALLY caught up on your posts since before Christmas.
The one about doing what you love to do? Loved it.
.-= rachel joy´s last blog ..milestones =-.
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Happy birthday a bit late! You look fabulous and like others have posted above, 30s are fun but so are the decades to come. Really.
May this coming year be full of good friends and good times with your family and good health and a good measure of adventure!
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Sorry it’s a few days late, but Happy Birthday!
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Sorry I meant to write this the other day, but then I forgot
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! 35 sounds like such a magical number, I know you’re going to enjoy it!
.-= Meg´s last blog ..Grace in Small Things Hiatus =-.
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